"All parents of people killed can apply as well as spouses and long-term partners.

"I am not eligible because we were not married and only went out for two years. You have to be going out for seven years to qualify.

"Fortunately, I was not dependent on Gavin as I have my own job."

Gavin, 35, from Chester-le-Street, moved to America three years ago.

A Sunderland fan, he went to St Cuthbert's RC Junior School in his home town and later St Leonard's RC Comprehensive in Durham City.

He joined insurance giants AON in London before transferring to their New York office where he was a vice-president.

His proud parents and Linda, who still live in Chester-le-Street, visited him regularly.

Details of The Federal Fund are yet to be finalised but the estimated total payout is $6 billion, with the average pay-out an estimated $1.8m.

But as Gavin was unmarried, childless and had no dependents, his parents are eligible for only $250,000 (#170,000) for pain and suffering.

The fund has triggered huge controversy in America as experts battle to agree on the right amount of compensation.

Ms Fitzpatrick said: "Many of the relatives have been labelled greedy because they've been demanding more compensation.

"But we don't have a national health service here so once you've taken health insurance and so on into account, the pay-outs are not that much.

"My big worry is that many of questions we have about how it could have happened will not be answered if there is no court action.

"I think there was a massive failure on the part of the intelligence and immigration services and airport security.

"My worry is unless attitudes change and measures are taken it could all happen again."

Ms Fitzpatrick was talking after two temporary memorials in New York were unveiled. The Sphere, a 27-foot bronze sculpture dented by the collapsing towers, was re-opened in nearby Battery Park and two massive pillars of light shining a mile high into New York's maimed skyline were turned on.